Program Overview

Programme: MSc specialising in Forest Science

Programme information

This is an interdepartmental programme. The curriculum is to be determined by the heads of department in the biological sciences. The MSc degree is conferred on the grounds of a dissertation and such additional postgraduate coursework as may be prescribed.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

1. All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
   1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
   2. Certified copy of ID or passport
   3. A research concept note: A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words
2. All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
   1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
   2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
   3. Certified copy of passport
3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes
4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable)
5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year
6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree
7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department
8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project
9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria
10. All applicants must be computer literate
11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access
12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy

Minimum admissions requirements:

1. Relevant Bachelor of Science Honours degree (NQF level 8) or four-year bachelor's degree in Forestry or Forest Science (NQF level 8)
2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level of the bachelor's or honours degree (NQF level 8)

Other programme-specific information

Additional modules may be prescribed by the head of department where deemed necessary.

Promotion to next study year

The progress of all master's candidates is monitored biannually by the supervisor and the postgraduate coordinator. A candidate's study may be terminated if the progress is unsatisfactory or if the candidate is unable to finish his/her studies during the prescribed period.

Subject to exceptions approved by the Dean, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, and where applicable, a student may not enter for the master's examination in the same module more than twice.

Pass with distinction

The MSc degree is conferred with distinction to candidates who obtain a final average mark of at least 75% and a mark of at least 75% for the dissertation/mini-dissertation from each of the members of the examination panel. Where a member of the examination panel awards a mark of less than 75% for the dissertation/mini-dissertation, that member of the examination panel must offer, in writing, support for his/her decision, or indicate in writing that he/she supports the examination committee's decision to confer the degree with distinction.

Core modules

• FOR 890: Dissertation: Forest science 890
  • Credits: 180.00
  • Module content: Interdepartmental programme. The curriculum is determined by the heads of department in the biological sciences and will include the research methodology and scientific writing. This is followed by research in the area of the chosen specialization in Forest Science culminating in the preparation and submission of research dissertation

Renewal of registration

As long as progress is satisfactory, renewal of the registration of a master's student will be accepted for the second year of the study. Registration for a third and subsequent years will only take place when the Student Administration of the Faculty receives a written motivation that is supported by the relevant head of department and Postgraduate Studies Committee.

General

Candidates are required to familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations regarding the maximum period of registration and the requirements on the submission of a draft article for publication.